25 Aug 2010

Waikato and Wellington national squash champions

5:50 am on 25 August 2010

Waikato and Wellington have taken out the titles at the national teams squash championship in Whakatane.

Waikato picked up its second title of the week with victory over Wellington in the women's final, following Joelle King's victory in the individual event on Friday.

However, Wellington would not be denied in the men's event, making up for the women's disappointment with victory over Auckland in the title decider.

Meanwhile, New Zealand's rising talent has been recognised with the awards for the most improved players of the year.

Canterbury's Paul Coll was named the most improved male and fellow teenager Megan Craig picked up the women's award, making it two from two for Canterbury.

There was also an award for the referee of the year, which went to Mid Canterbury's Chris Buckland.

He previously won the award in 2008 and has been appointed as a referee for the October's Commonwealth Games in Delhi.